TheDress one year on eight things we learned from the viral phenomenon Social media The Guardian The actual dress was black and blue. The confusion came from how lighting and color perception tricked people's brains, making some see it as white and gold. It became a viral example Why This Black and Blue Dress Is the Only Prom Gown I'll Ever Recommend Again Why the #whatcoloristhisdress frock is actually blue and black CNET TheDress colour debate draws a spectrum of expert, academic views CBC News